But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13b (ESV)
Have you ever been in an earthquake? I have only ever experienced very small tremors, but I can imagine there is a since of absolute loss of control. Of wondering how long it will last and how bad it will turn out in the end.
I can certainly relate to times in my life where I have had those thoughts. Times when events in life seemed overwhelming and I wondered just how long I could take it or how bad it would actually turn out to be.
I have met a lot of Christians who are very concerned (if not anxious) when they hear teaching on the end times. They worry about the future and all the bad things they read about in books expounding on the biblical prophecies found in Revelation and Daniel.
Jesus talks about the future in Mark 13. Some things He says really stood out to me as I read this chapter.
And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mark 13:3-13 (ESV)
A shaking is coming. Both literally and figuratively. There will be actual earthquakes, but also wars, political upheaval, famines, natural disasters, persecution, family conflict, hatred, and more.
The good news is that Jesus gives us very specific instructions. Hope-filled, encouraging instructions.
When the world is shaken:
-Do not be alarmed. (vs. 7)
When bad things are happening and the world seems to be shaking apart, don’t sound the alarms or flap your arms in panic or start discussion groups at church about how bad it is getting ‘out there.’ The world is only doing exactly what Jesus said it would do.-Be on your guard. (vs. 9)
Even though this is not a time to panic, it is also not a time to put our heads in the sand. There will be people who take up arms against followers of Christ. There will be all kinds of problems and we must keep our heads up and our eyes open.-Do not be anxious. (vs. 11)
Even if someone comes against us to persecute, torment, or attack us, we have no need to be anxious or concerned. God has provided a Helper for us.-Be a conduit for the Holy Spirit. (vs. 11)
We don’t need to worry about what we will say. Just trust the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”-Be the one who endures. (vs. 13)
I recently watched an NCIS episode where Ducky’s advice was “When you are going through hell, keep going.” Jesus says, even when the whole world is shaking, keep on going. Persevere. Endure. Giving up is the only way to lose.
The world is going to be shaken. That is a given. Even more disturbing, my world and your world will be shaken at some point. Much more personal.
When we are shaken, we don’t have to be stirred up to alarm, anxiety, or worry. Shaken, not stirred.
As the children’s song says,
“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
When it feels like the world is shaking, remember Who holds it in His hands.
And don’t worry.
Action Step: Today, let’s practice joy and peace in the face of worrisome problems. When things around us start to shake, let’s rehearse trusting in God and work not to grow anxious. Don’t worry. Be happy.
God, thank You that You hold my whole world in Your hands. Thank You for our Helper in the Holy Spirit. Help us not to worry or be anxious but to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.